As part of Tyson Foods' commitment to proper treatment of farm animals, the company has announced the formation of an independent Farm Animal Well-Being Advisory Panel. Members will serve as advisers to the Tyson FarmCheck™ programme, a comprehensive initiative designed to ensure responsible care and overall well-being of farm animals.

Each panel member is a leader in his or her field and was invited to join the panel because of their demonstrated interests across a broad range of issues related to raising farm animals responsibly. Panel members will help to determine research priorities and suggest ways to improve the audit programme. Their participation is not a public endorsement of the FarmCheck programme, Tyson Foods or any specific animal well-being programme.

Tyson Foods launched the FarmCheck programme initiative in October 2012 to focus on a broad array of animal well-being issues. In addition to the advisory panel of experts, the FarmCheck programme includes:

• auditing the treatment of animals at livestock and poultry farms that supply the company
• using research to identify potential new and better methods for animal care and handling
• reaffirming Tyson's commitment to animal well-being issues with a dedicated senior management team.

"The FarmCheck programme continues our long-standing commitment to responsible farm animal care," said Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. "This Advisory Panel is a diverse group of experts who bring valuable perspective on animal well-being. They will help shape the future of the programme and ensure its effectiveness."

Members of the panel include:

• Ryan Best, 2011-2012 president, Future Farmers of America
• Anne Burkholder, cattle feedlot owner
• Ed Cooney, executive director of the Congressional Hunger Center
• Gail Golab, Ph.D., DVM, director of American Veterinary Medical Association's Animal Welfare Division
• Temple Grandin, Ph.D., professor of animal science, Colorado State University
• Karl Guggenmos, dean of culinary education, Johnson & Wales University
• Tim Loula, DVM, co-founder and co-owner of Swine Vet Center in St. Peter, Minnesota
• Miyun Park, executive director, Global Animal Partnership
• Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs, National Chicken Council
• Richard Raymond, M.D., former U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Food Safety
• Janeen Salak-Johnson, Ph.D., associate professor in Animal Sciences, University of Illinois
• Janice Swanson, Ph.D., chair and professor, Animal Behavior and Welfare, Michigan State University
• Bruce Webster, Ph.D., professor of poultry science, University of Georgia

Each panelist will serve independent of their professional affiliations and will bring their unique perspectives to bear in the FarmCheck™ programme.